Ottawa, Ontario — The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has changed how they reimburse personnel, civilian and military alike, for the purchase of safety footwear that is not provided directly by the units where they work.

The change was brought about by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), which provides finance and other services to the federal government. Reimbursements are now paid directly by DND from Operations and Maintenance funds and not as a taxable allowance through the larger public service’s Phoenix pay system.

Employees who already have a Pay Action Request (PAR) in the system for footwear procured earlier must not re-submit them under the new system. Existing PARs are being processed and are expected to be completed by the end of December.

The office of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) has also expanded eligibility for these reimbursements. Previously, only permanent employees or others on work terms of more than three months who are not contractors were eligible. Now all term employees, as well as students, will be. More detail will be provided in an upcoming general order.

This will ensure DND remains in compliance with its obligations to provide safety footwear where necessary under the Canada Labour Code and its associated Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.